Dog Breeding – The New Revolutionary Methods

Dog breeding is a controversial subject. Many people have heard harrowing stories of female dogs being bred over and over again for profit and then abandoned by their owners when they can no longer have puppies. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why some people might view dog breeding as a negative. However, many breeders have a genuine love for the breeds they work with and this is what motivates them to go into dog breeding in the first place.

So if you’re considering breeding dogs, the questions to ask yourself are: What motivates you? Do you want to become a professional breeder or just mate the family pet? It’s not enough to say that you just want to make some money or that you think puppies are cute: puppies are cute, but they’re also extremely hard work and cost an absolute fortune to raise.

Consider the cost of finding a suitable stud for your dog, then all the costs associated with pregnancy: vet bills, proper feed, etc. This will be expensive enough, but those costs will increase tenfold once the puppies are born (bearing in mind that some breeds can have up to 12 babies). Also, if a dog needs a C-section to give birth, the fee can be astronomical and you need to be prepared for this.

For professional breeders, mating dogs is a full-time job. They have an incredible commitment to the job and an inherent love for dogs, which is why they take the job. Obviously money is a motivating factor for those people, they have to make a living, but it is not THE motivating factor.

Another thing to consider if you are going to breed your bitch is time. A pregnant dog not only costs money, but she requires adequate exercise and will need several short walks every day. Also, in the days leading up to the birth (known as ‘the labor period’), you’ll need to be constantly present for when labor begins. Newborn puppies will also need a lot of attention once they arrive, so it’s imperative that you, or someone else in the family, have time to devote to all of this.

A responsible dog breeder always makes sure that their dogs receive all the relevant vaccinations and so do the puppies. If there are 10-12 puppies this can cost a fortune, but it is important that it is done to protect the health of the puppies. Another consideration in the mess puppies create: Initially, you’ll need a crate big enough to house them, and you’ll need to change the bedding several times a day. When the puppies are old enough to walk, they will not be house trained and will relieve themselves anywhere; therefore, you should place them in a room with a hard floor that can be easily cleaned. Puppies will also need a safe outdoor space where they can run, play and exercise.

Finally, if you decide to mate with your female dog, do some research on the particular breed; ignorance can put your dog and your babies at risk. Also, when you come to sell the puppies, the buyers will ask you all kinds of questions and you should be able to answer them. If you’re thinking of becoming a professional breeder, you may need a license; contact your local government office for advice.
There is no doubt that dog breeding is hard work, but it is also incredibly rewarding.